A Rainbow of Global ReLeaf Projects for 2014

In its 24th year, American Forests Global ReLeaf is adding 33 new and continuing projects to the list of ways we’re helping forests around the world. And let me tell you, these projects are as diverse as the rainbow!

Whether you call them red, orange or yellow, golden lion tamarins are facing a plight that has American Forests Global ReLeaf heading back to Brazil for the first time in 11 years. Brazil’s Atlantic forest is the only place where the golden lion tamarin can be found in the wild, but their habitat today is a mere two percent of its historical area. We’re partnering with the Associacao Mico-Leao-Dourado to reconnect remaining forest fragments to create a continuous habitat for these golden creatures.

Double rainbow behind longleaf pines, a native species Global ReLeaf is planting in Georgia and Florida. Credit: John S. Quarterman

Indigo-colored wood may look beautiful — indeed, it’s being put to use in all kinds of crafts — but too much of it means just one thing: too many beetles. The blue color is caused by a fungus that is carried by the mountain pine beetle. Though native, these beetles are having effects on the ecosystem akin to invasives due to a population boom enabled by warmer winters. Millions of trees have died, including old-growth ponderosa pine and the keystone species whitebark pine. Our 2014 projects include five projects dedicated to restoring forests damaged by this tiny menace.